Updates from WorkSafeBC

Industry experts help with return-to-work planning

Since last fall, WorkSafeBC (the WCB) has been developing claims/health care management teams that specialize in specific industries. The aim is to build teams of experts who understand the demands of a particular type of job, including the work environment, equipment, and return-to-work options for workers in that industry. Both the injured worker and the employer benefit when the WorkSafeBC team dealing with a claim understands the job, company, and industry.

Most of our industry teams are based in the geographic area where the worker is employed. However, there are some large companies whose claims are handled through one centralized WorkSafeBC office. That office might be in a community some distance from where the injured worker is located. In those cases, you’ll receive a call from a WorkSafeBC industry specialist from out of your area.

Who to contact

To access the appropriate industry team, ask your patient for the name of his or her case manager, and then contact that individual. If you have medical concerns, contact a medical advisor (see facing page) in the nearest WorkSafeBC office. In some cases, a nurse advisor working with your patient’s WorkSafeBC team will call you to discuss a return-to-work plan.

Does your patient require expedited services?

Here’s what you need to know

To facilitate an early return to work for injured workers, the BCMA/WCB Contract allows attending physicians to refer those workers to specialists for expedited services such as consultations, diagnostic investigations, surgery, and anesthesia. In most instances these services must be performed within 15 business days of the date of referral.

As long as the injured worker has an active wage-loss claim for that condition, you do not require authorization by a WorkSafeBC officer. To check the validity of an injured worker’s claim, call your local WorkSafeBC office or check the claims status online at Worksafebc.com.

Need help arranging for expedited services? Contact WorkSafeBC’s Visiting Specialist Clinic (VSC). If, for example, an injured worker requires expedited diagnostic investigations such as MRI/CT scans—or expedited surgery where orthopaedic surgeons cannot provide these services—fax a referral letter to the VSC at 604 214-6799 or, on your Form 11, indicate that a referral is required.

For non-emergency surgery done outside the VSC—whether expedited or not—surgeons must have pre-authorization from WorkSafeBC.

—Don Graham, MD
WorkSafeBC Chief Medical Officer

Click here to download the list below in PDF format [Requires Adobe Reader]

Medical advisor listing